Pandya Flag
(Twin fish flag)
Adoptedc. 4th century BCE - 1660 CE

The Flag of Pandya (Tamil pronunciation: [pɑːɳɖɪjər koɖɪ]) was used by the Pandyan Dynasty and consisted of the single fish or twin fish.[1][2] There is no reference or description about the flag. Therefore, any Pandya flags used in media are created for the purpose of illustration. There are flags with double fish or single fish as per archaeological findings and historians's illustration.[3][4]

The Pandyan twin fish engraved on a coin of Uttama Chola

12th-century Tamil court poet Ottakoothar wrote a verse mentions about the Pandyan flag while comparing to Chola flag.[5]

வெற்றிப் புலிக்கொடிக்கு மீனமோ அம்மானே

— Ottakoothar


Literal Meaning: Can the flag of the Pandyas match the flag of the Cholas?

Legend

Pandya king Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan I's double fish carp black granite bas-relief in Koneswaram temple – Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

According to legend, an avatar of the Hindu Goddess, Meenakshi, who has fish shaped eyes, was born as the daughter of a Pandya king. Pandya emblem was a fish and it represented the dynasty, including in coins, etc. The word Meenatchi (Meen+Aatchi ) is a mix of the Tamil words Meen (Fish) and Aatchi (Rule), which means Fish Rule.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Masterpieces in metal". Institute For Oriental Study, Thane. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  2. ^ Nelson, J.H. (1989). Political History of the Madura Country. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 9788120604254.
  3. ^ Walter Codrington, Hubert (1975). Ceylon Coins and Currency. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 9788120609136.
  4. ^ History & Civics For Vi (Tn). Tata McGraw-Hill Education. March 2005. ISBN 9780070597525.
  5. ^ "எட்டுத் தொகையும் தமிழர் பண்பாடும்". Tamil Virtual Academy. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  6. ^ "Sri Meenaatchi (Parvathi)". Hindu Society of Minnesota. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
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